A Weekend in Los Angeles with My Son Christopher
I just returned from a fun weekend in Los Angeles visiting my son Christopher at his new home closer to the beach. He has done a great job designing his space (no idea where he got that gene!) so we just needed a few items to get him settled.
We ate, drank, shopped, laughed, and sat in traffic – it is L.A., of course! But it was perfect!
Where I stayed:
The Avalon Hotel - An 84-room boutique hotel nestled on the edge of Beverly Hills. Great walking and shopping nearby and loaded with charm. A lovely modern mid-century vibe with a neighborhood feel. When booking, always confirm you are in the main hotel. It has two additional buildings. They both don't feel the same. It is truly one of my favorite hotels!
Where we ate:
Malibu Farm - A farm-to-table restaurant with an ocean view in Malibu. Best egg sandwich, chai latte, and ambiance. A great mix of locals and tourists. And the views!
Gran Blanco - From the owners of Great White (another favorite), this boho-style Mediterranean restaurant is a fun and lively spot for dinner. We dined on sofas surrounded by a buzzing restaurant full of patrons cocktailing on Winward Avenue in Venice Beach. Perfection!
Cantina Frida - A southern California Mexican food spot that is fresh and fun. Located within walking distance from the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, this restaurant is an excellent place for a margarita and to enjoy one of their many sharing plates.
Blueys - Ok, this may be my favorite dining spot on this trip. Located in Santa Monica, this restaurant is run by a bunch of ladies who say their tagline is "We're run by a bunch of ladies that boss around one lone Aussie guy." I love that! But I love the food and vibe even more. I had the best salad ever – Ancient Grain Bowl with chicken. I am still dreaming about it! Place your order, grab a seat, and await their healthy eats. I am in love!
Sant’olina - Mediterranean with a SoCal spin. I was so surprised at how quiet this rooftop restaurant at the Beverly Hilton Hotel was on a Sunday evening. The food was amazing. And the views are lovely too. Definitely try the hummus & marinated feta starters. It comes with homemade laffa bread, which we may (or may not) have had seconds or thirds of...
Great White - An all-day dining restaurant that has become a cult favorite in Venice. Fish tacos, chop salad, and the tremendous burger are all fan favorites.
Where we shopped:
Crate & Barrel Outlet - Run, don't walk to the Crate & Barrel outlet in El Segundo for slightly dented, one-offs, scuffed, and dirty Crate and Barrel pieces at 50% off. You have to pick through the inventory, but the opportunities are endless! I wish I had one of these in Seattle.
Just Like the Model - This is a fun store I learned about years ago. In fact, one year, my sister and I flew to CA, rented a U-Haul, filled it with furniture from this store, and drove home to Seattle. It is just as it sounds. Model Home Furniture for 50-80% off. So good!
HD Buttercup - You just cannot be inspired by this fabulous design center set in an old bakery. Beautiful pieces that are often one of a kind. Not a budget option but a brilliant space to up your design style. The flagship store in LA is the best!
The Grove - This is just your typical mall al fresca but always fun for a star sighting. Lots of great shops and eats in one place.
Lido Island/Newport Beach - I could stay here all day! Coastal shopping with many one-of-a-kind stores and a few chains. Dining here is fabulous, too, as has a view of all the boats in the marina.
Melrose Avenue - The shopping here is always interesting. I did not get much time on Melrose because I used most of it at my favorite designer's store, Anine Bing. But for those who like an eclectic shopping experience with great coffee shops and smoothie bars, this is your place.
Other adventures:
Point Dune Cove Trail - This Malibu hike isn't any crazy hike that will get your steps covered for the day, but it is one of the more beautiful and easy hikes. The views are epic, and although busy, it's still a fun way to keep moving.
The Getty - I always pop into The Getty when you are in LA. Their art collections rotate with new exhibits coming and going, and the location alone is worth the drive. Stunning!
Lido Island - I already mentioned this sweet island on the Newport Beach harbor, but one small addition is the dining and shops. My favs here were Zinque for lunch and Clare V. and Shoppe Amber Interiors for treats for myself and others.
It was a great time full of sunshine and sweet moments with my son. Thank you, LA!
